By Deborah Nnamdi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday dismissed concerns over the presence of United States military personnel in Nigeria, stating that the support being provided by the US government poses no threat to the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
The military high command clarified that the assistance comes at no cost to the Federal Government and is strictly focused on training Nigerian troops and strengthening ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
On February 17, the DHQ confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment in the country. In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the deployment was said to have followed deliberations during a working group engagement between Nigerian and US delegations.
Addressing journalists in Abuja during a briefing on ongoing military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, described the collaboration as normal and beneficial.
“The American government is interested in combating terrorism and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost. Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty,” he said.
Onoja urged the public to focus on the operational gains of the partnership rather than the number of foreign personnel involved, noting that the cooperation over the past two months has already produced positive outcomes, with more expected in the coming days.
He explained that the US personnel were primarily engaged in training programmes, comparing the arrangement to instances where Nigerian officers travel abroad for similar exercises.
“There is no basis for concern. We go for training abroad all the time. This is simply a training programme,” he added.
The defence spokesman assured that military leadership, including theatre commanders and chief security officers in affected areas, remain in control of the security situation and are taking proactive steps to prevent further attacks.
He also cautioned the media against excessive publicity of terrorist activities, warning that such coverage could inadvertently serve the interests of insurgents by spreading fear and panic among the public.
On concerns surrounding the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation initiative for surrendered insurgents, known as Operation Safe Corridor, Onoja disclosed that the programme is currently under review.
He said the initiative, launched by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Borno State Government and relevant federal ministries, had recorded significant success at its inception but later encountered challenges.
“Operation Safe Corridor was designed to de-radicalise some of the elements who surrendered. For a period of time, it achieved significant success. However, as with any human endeavour, there are challenges, and we acknowledge the need for a review,” he said.
Onoja noted that under the laws of war, insurgents, including members of Boko Haram, remain Nigerian citizens and must account for their actions, but added that rehabilitation remains a viable option where possible.
“We are also as concerned as members of the public. I can assure you that the review will be done and new operational directives will be communicated,” he stated.
He further addressed concerns over state-level peace initiatives, explaining that while governors possess powers to adopt security measures within their states, such actions must align with federal directives and receive authorization from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“For us in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, any Federal Government policy, we are in line with it. If a governor decides to take steps based on his assessment of the security situation, we will always support him, provided it aligns with national security directives,” Onoja said.
